Human remains found in local woodlotLocal NewsBy Erica BajerPosted 2 days ago

Chatham-Kent police are investigating after human remains were found in a wooded area on Darrell Line between Highway 40 and Prince Albert Road Friday afternoon.

"Two hunters were walking in the dense wooded area when they discovered the body," said Const. Michael Pearce, of the Chatham-Kent Police Service.

He said due to significant decomposition, investigators were unable to remove the body from its location on Friday night.On Saturday, the service's forensic unit, with the help of a forensic anthropologist, removed the body.

This process took most of the day, Pearce said.

He said investigators haven't been able to confirm the gender or identity of the person.

"At this point, we have no answers," he said. "We don't know who this person is."

A post mortem is scheduled for today.

Pearce said information about this case wasn't released sooner to maintain the integrity of the scene.

"Investigators had concern that public attention could jeopardize the ability of police to maintain the scene given the density of the wooded area and the complicated removal process," he explained.

Pearce said it's too early to speculate if the remains are those of missing local woman Nelie Bueckert. The 32-year-old was reported missing in May.

The service's major crime unit is investigating and anyone with any information is asked to call 519-436-6616. Anonymous callers may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Human remains found by hunters in a local woodlot are those of missing woman Nelie Bueckert.

The 32-year-old Chatham-Kent woman went missing in May.

The remains were found Friday in a forest on Darrell Line between Highway 40 and Prince Albert Road. With the help of a forensic anthropologist, the body was removed from the woods over the weekend and a postmortem was conducted Monday.

Const. Michael Pearce, of the Chatham-Kent Police Service, said her dental records were compared to the body to determine identification.

The cause and manner of how Bueckert died aren't yet known, Pearce said.

"We treat any death as suspicious until proven otherwise," he said.

"At this point in time we have not proven otherwise so this investigation remains open."

He noted the police are assisting in the coroner's investigation.

Bueckert's family has been notified and Pearce said her family is in the process of making funeral arrangements.

He said the police service offers condolences to the family and friends of the woman.

Anyone with information is asked to call the major crime unit at 519-436-6616 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.